time clock

noun

1. a clock with an attachment that may be manually activated to stamp or otherwise record the exact time on a card or tape, used to keep a record of the time of something, as of the arrival and departure of employees.

time clock

noun

1. a clock which records, by punching or stamping cards inserted into it, the time of arrival or departure of people, such as employees in a factory

Word History and Origins

Origin of time clock¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Central tipoff and the lost hour for the daylight saving time clock change, they sure didn’t lack for energy.

From Seattle Times

“The miraculous rebirth of Israel, I believe, set the prophetic time clock into overdrive,” he said.

From Washington Times

Once it was discovered that most, if not all, of the victims were Vietnamese, a clock showing the time in Vietnam was put up alongside the UK time clock.

From BBC

“The man operated on a different time clock than really anyone. You give him space, and he does what he does.”

From Seattle Times

Should an arrest be made, the detention time clock starts ticking and may be considered by a court of the felony state as time served.

From Encyclopedia.com